A total of £132,000 ($212,000) is now available for organisations to develop skills and training in response to identified needs within the film industry.

Creative Skillset has announced three new funding opportunities which aim to support professionals and address identified needs within the UK film and visual effects (VFX) industries. Two funds have been made available to support the VFX industry, and a further one to support the development of wardrobe supervisors.

Up to £52,000 ($83,000) is available for an experienced organisation or freelancer to develop National Occupational Standards (NOS) and qualifications in VFX, and up to £50,000 ($80,000) is available for an organisation to develop a library of VFX careers information. 

These two funds, made possible through the Film Skills Fund as part of A Bigger Future 2, will provide support for training organisations, careers advisers and anyone wanting to work in the VFX industry.

They have been developed in response to the publication of the Next Gen review by Ian Livingstone and Alex Hope, commissioned by Government following concerns the UK could lose its cutting edge in a competitive global market.

In addition to the two VFX funds, organisations can now apply for up to £30,000 ($48,000) from the Skillset Craft and Technical Skills Academy to deliver Wardrobe Supervisor training to those working in costume and wardrobe.

With an expected increase in production levels in 2013/14, the scheme aims to ensure that the UK will be able to service domestic and incoming productions with highly skilled Wardrobe Supervisors, an area which was identified by the industry as needing support.

The deadline for applications for all three funds is 12pm on Feb 6, 2013. Decisions will be announced on March 4, 2013. Further information and application forms can be found at www.creativeskillset.org/funding/organisations/apply_FSF.